Any mower mechanics on here? ZT1 50 with 23hp Kawasaki FR691V engine. Spitting, surging and dying after 10 minutes of running

[testdepth]

The engine started surging after running and cutting for about 10 minutes. RPMs up and down and then had to engage choke to keep it running but RPMs would still hunt and then it would die.
I installed:
New carburetor
New air filter
New fuel lines
New fuel pump
New fuel filter
New gas
Removed and cleaned out the gas tank
I just installed a second brand new carburetor and same symptoms. Engine barely running and limped back to my backyard and died. Its spitting and surging and dying. WTH!!

Any ideas please help and thank you.

Engine: Kawasaki FR691V DOM 0320
FR691V J 22205
FR691V G505-R

Cub Cadet ZT1 50
MDL 17RIEACL010
DOM 01/2021
Ser # 1A05MH50046

 

[Plinker66]

Maybe you got that vapor lock

 

[Freshly Minted Georgian!]

In, I had a Honda engine that acted this way in the past, I’m curious.

 

[truckfixguy]

Loosen the gas cap? The vent gets clogged and causes a vacuum on the fuel tank.

 

[keith089]

Does your have a Governor

 

[testdepth]

Maybe you got that vapor lock

Tried that just now. I removed the gas cap and cleaned it to ensure the vapor hole was open. I installed the cap and ran it with blades engaged for about 5 minutes. Same sputter and had to engage choke to keep from dying. I nursed it back in my yard moving the choke as needed to keep it running until it died.

 

[testdepth]

Does your have a Governor

yes

 

[testdepth]

Loosen the gas cap? The vent gets clogged and causes a vacuum on the fuel tank.

Thanks for both of you recommending the gas cap. It was filthy so I tore it apart and cleaned really well and blew through the hole to make sure it was open. The mower ran about 5 minutes with cap installed and then same symptoms as before. Sputter, spit and act like fuel was just cut off so I had to pull the choke to keep it running and I got back in my yard and park where it then died.

 

[rbstern]

Couple of thoughts:

Any chance there is water in the gas? I know you said "new gas," but is that new gas from a different source/container than original?

Everything tightened down correctly on the carb cable? Have you observed the carb linkage when this is happening, to be sure the throttle isn't changing position without actuating the lever?

 

[testdepth]

Couple of thoughts:

Any chance there is water in the gas? I know you said "new gas," but is that new gas from a different source/container than original?

Everything tightened down correctly on the carb cable? Have you observed the carb linkage when this is happening, to be sure the throttle isn't changing position without actuating the lever?

Unleaded gas straight from the gas station pump to my mower tank yesterday. Carb is fully installed with nothing loose. Carb and throttle look to be functioning 100%. Thank you

The mower ran the same with the old carb installed. I thought it was dirty gas or carb so I bought a new one and installed it. Mower is doing the same with a new carb.